On 1 November 2025, The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) commemorated 140 years of faith and service with “The Healing Nation Celebratory Concert”. Led by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), the social concerns arm of MCS, the concert was held at The Star Performing Arts Centre under the theme “Love God by Loving Our Neighbour”. The 70-minute showcase took the audience on a journey— told through dance, music and recitals—from darkness (struggles, pain) into light (hope, restoration).
Honouring legacy and faith
Gracing the event as Guest-of-Honour, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam commended the Methodist congregations in Singapore for “spreading that culture of wanting to uplift each other”. President Tharman noted that many Singaporeans have benefitted from the services of MCS since its founding. “The work of Methodist Welfare Services is particularly noteworthy. What’s impressive is that you’re engaged in almost every aspect of social services in Singapore,” he said, noting that MWS reaches out to Singaporeans of all races and faiths. “Your Healing Nation initiative is the latest expression of this orientation.”
He also shared his family’s connection to Methodist education. One of his grandfathers spent his entire career teaching in Methodist schools across Malaya and later in Singapore, while his grandmother—who grew up in Ceylon, now Sri Lanka—studied at the first girls’ boarding school in Asia founded by American Methodists.
Reflecting on this, President Tharman remarked that his life would have been different had his grandmother not received the education she did.
“(The concert) is not only a tribute to our rich heritage, but also a celebration of our Methodist legacy of faith, service and community,” said Bishop Philip Lim in his welcome address to an audience that included representatives from charity organisations, the Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore; the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and other Christian denominations. Bishop Lim reflected on how Methodism in Singapore has grown since its humble beginnings in 1885, when founders Rev Dr James Thoburn and Rev William Oldham arrived at Tanjong Pagar Docks and the first sermon was preached at the Town Hall, now Victoria Concert Hall.
Blast from the past | As historical images of MCS—from early church buildings to its headquarters—illuminated the backdrop, a combined choir from various congregations accompanied by the Methodist Festival Orchestra opened the evening with a stirring rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, taking the audience on a nostalgic musical journey.
A journey from darkness …
Chaos and struggle | With pained expressions and fluid, almost aching movements, dancers including those with special needs from Dance Spectrum International gave form to unspoken struggles.
Lonely lament | Portraying a lonely widower, veteran actor Gerald Chew delivered a heartfelt monologue about loss and challenges of ageing—reflecting on the absence of his wife and friends, financial strain, declining mobility and a deep longing for connection.
“I know what loneliness feels like,” shared Gerald, 62. “I’m an adult orphan—I lost both my parents during the Covid-19 years and it has affected me in ways I’m still discovering.” He added that healing begins with accepting grief and seeking support. “Whenever I find myself stuck in isolation, I remind myself to connect with a friend or colleague,” he said. them, and with reaching out in moments of loneliness.
Breaking the silence | Two youths— portrayed by actress Erica Lee (right) and her friend Natasha Cheow—voiced the struggles faced by their generation—one confronting failure and bullying in school, the other enduring family violence at home.
The ties that try | Actors Andrew Lua, Carla Dunareanu, and twins Maia-Li (third from left) and Sofia-Li (far right), Carla’s real- life nieces, depicted a family of four caught in tension—parents arguing over finances as their children quarrel—reflecting the everyday stresses families face.
“Being an artiste in Singapore, you’ll definitely face money struggles at some point,” shared Carla, 36, pictured with her nieces Sofia-Li (left) and Maia-Li (right). “I’ve always been able to find the fun in things, so I never get disheartened or offended by any job I take on. Life’s short— you have to enjoy the ride.”
Beaten and blue | Echoing life’s struggles, a charged drum performance by members of Wesley Methodist Church and Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church stirred hearts with its intensity.
Faith takes flight | Through Isaiah 40:31, which appeared on screen before soloist Lauren Yeo and the Methodist Girls’ School (MGS)(Secondary) Choir delivered a soul-stirring a cappella rendition of “Blessings”, attendees were reminded of an everlasting hope for those who are weary.
It had been nearly a decade since Lauren, 22, last sang with the MGS Choir as a student, and performing alongside them again as a soloist felt “surreal”. “Blessings”, which speaks of finding meaning in pain, holds deep resonance for her. “During my school years in Singapore, I tied my self-worth to achievements like grades and singing performances,” she recalled. “But over the past few years,
I’ve learnt to see myself apart from all of that. Those difficult seasons gave me a new kind of vulnerability— one that helps me connect more deeply with others.”
… Into the Light
Worship in motion | The stage burst into colour as Passion Flag performed a graceful worship flag dance with flowing, hand-painted silk flags symbolising the Holy Fire. Set to Hillsong Worship’s “Never Walk Alone”, it was a vivid reminder of God’s ever-abiding presence.
Strings of joy | An ensemble of ukulele-playing senior beneficiaries, volunteers and staff from MWS Active Ageing Centres lifted spirits with an uplifting medley of “Wang Shi Zhi Neng Hui Wei”, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee”.
From loneliness to belonging | As members of the TRAC Seniors Ukulele Group (represented by members of Paya Lebar Methodist Church, Fairfield Methodist Church, Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church, Trinity Methodist Church and Living Sanctuary Brethren Church) entered the stage, spontaneous chatter filled the air. Among them was the once-lonely senior, who had found new community through music. Together, they sang and strummed to “Peng You”—a heartfelt ode to friendship and belonging.
Together as one | The ukulele group’s rendition of “Home” ignited a joyful singalong, the arena aglow with a sea of waving, illuminated phones—a moving portrait of unity in the spirit of SG60. Members of the Wesley Deaf Ministry provided sign language interpretation throughout the concert, ensuring the concert was accessible to all.
Carriers of light | With lit candles in hand, the children’s choir sang “Go Light Your World”, a call to shine God’s light in the dark. The choir comprised members from St Andrew’s Junior School, Dance Spectrum International, Bedok Methodist Church, Yishun Methodist Mission and Pentecost Methodist Church.
Love in action | Drawing the concert to a close, soloist Dr Kevin Ong was joined by all performers in the finale song “The Reason We Serve”. The performance encapsulated the concert’s central message—to love our neighbour as God has loved us—reminding all in attendance to love generously, serve compassionately and play their part in healing the nation.
A dentist with a passion for music and social outreach, Kevin shared, “Service should be part of every Christian’s life—it’s what Jesus calls us to do. Money can buy happiness, but it can’t buy joy. Happiness comes from doing something for yourself. Joy comes when you do something good for someone else—and that’s the kind of joy that lasts.”
The Healing Nation initiative
The concert capped a year of activities under “The Healing Nation” movement—an ongoing Methodist-led national initiative of faith in action—to mobilise 1.4 million hours of volunteer service and raise $1.4 million for families and individuals in vulnerable circumstances.
Spearheaded by MWS, the initiative aims to build a sustainable ecosystem for community care, powered by service and compassion. To date, more than $1.2 million has been raised, with about $510,000 designated for disbursement to 364 beneficiary families represented by over 40 applicant organisations. These families include seniors, children, youth and individuals experiencing multiple forms of distress such as disabilities, mental health struggles, financial hardship, domestic violence and chronic illness.
Donors who wish to give may do so at https://give.asia/charity/mcs140-the-healing-nation
To volunteer, visit TheHealingNation.SG. For enquiries, please email mcs140thn@mws.sg.
Text by the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team. / Photos courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services
